Gratitude Friday...

I know, I know.  It's been a while and at this point, you've decided I've quit Gratitude Friday's all together.  

Well, be of good cheer, friends!

Today marks Gratitude Friday's triumphant return!

(Also, I've been binge watching "Merlin" on Netflix, so you might detect a slightly medieval tune to my words.)

(And if you could be so kind as to read them in your head in a British accent, that would be most appreciated.)

(Bless you.)

(Oh!  And in case you're wondering "Why Merlin?" It's because the band is playing some song from the show.  I was intrigued.  It's a lovely song.)

"The word you are looking for is... Anyway..."

Tonight, I bare witness to a miracle.  Truly.

Aubrey Kate announced tonight, she is ready to learn to read.

SHE IS READY TO LEARN TO READ.

Listen, I realize not everyone has a strong-willed child.  Maybe a stubborn one.  Maybe even a picky one.  

Some are tactile.  Might not like the seams on their socks (I hear that one a lot when in a discussion about such matters).  Some will only drink out of a specific cup.  Some will only wear a certain type of shoe.  

Others might like only one TV show.  Or one book over and over and over.  And over.

Mine is all of that.  

Well, except for the TV show and book.  She loves any and all shows and books.  

However, up until tonight, she had decided she never wanted to learn how to read.  Dug her heels in and simply refused.  Announced if she had to learn to read in kindergarten, she would hate school.  And, unfortunately, when she makes such a decision, she's pretty darn serious about it.

We have learned, over these five, long years, once she makes up her mind, we need to allow her the time and space to change it.  Decisions have to be her own.  Rewards work in the short-term, and by short-term I mean a week.  Likely less.  Punishments work not at all.  No amount of force or the threat of force is going to change her mind.  

No, she has trained us (seriously, that's part of the parenting process with a strong-willed child) to be patient.  

And pray.

Truthfully, following the teacher conference earlier in the year, realizing the issues she's been facing and might continue to deal with, has been difficult for me.  I know, it's not really about me.  I get that.  But every mother wants the best for her children.  And understanding her nature to fight and argue is holding her back from learning, that was a blow.

I fully recognize and accept a strong-will will serve her well as she grows.  

But in deciding not to learn how to read?  Well, that serves approximately no one well.  

Thus, I return to my original statement...I was a witness to a miracle today.

Her announcement IS a miracle.  One I've prayed for.  And patiently waited for.  

Another healing, a love note from my Father, during this season of pruning.  

I cannot even begin to express to me how CRAZY excited I was and possibly, I might have cried.  

Okay, I totally cried.

Thank you, Father.  As always, Your timing is perfect.  She is anxious to learn and wants to enter kindergarten reading.  Be with us as work with her and guide her into this new and exciting world as a reader.  We are so grateful to You for her life, her heart and her strong-will.  With this decision from her, we know she will love and enjoy this new adventure!  Humbled, Father.  We love you.